Trying to figure out the Naruto Shippuden manga count? You’re not alone, as the split between “Naruto” and “Shippuden” often confuses new readers and collectors. This guide clears up the numbers.
The Naruto Shippuden part of the manga series consists of 45 individual books. This storyline is officially considered Part II of the larger Naruto saga and covers volumes 28 through 72. The entire canonical Naruto manga, from beginning to end, spans a total of 72 volumes.
Based on an analysis of the official VIZ Media releases and the original Japanese publication data, this guide provides the definitive volume counts. You’ll discover the precise breakdown of the series, the different collecting formats available, and exactly where to start reading to follow the canon storyline created by Masashi Kishimoto.
Key Facts
- Total Series Volume Count: The entire canonical Naruto manga series, written by Masashi Kishimoto, contains exactly 72 volumes, demonstrating the epic scope of the storyline.
- Shippuden Volume Count: The part of the story known as Naruto Shippuden (Part II) consists of 45 manga volumes, running from volume 28 to the series conclusion at volume 72.
- Original Naruto Volume Count: Part I of the series, which covers Naruto’s pre-teen adventures, is made up of the first 27 volumes.
- Official Completion: The manga’s serialization is finished, having run from 1999 to 2014 and concluding with chapter 700 in the final volume.
- Canon Source: The 72-volume manga is the original, canon story, whereas the anime adaptations include hundreds of additional filler episodes not written by the author.
How Many Naruto Shippuden Manga Books Are There? A Complete Guide
The definitive answer is that the Naruto Shippuden storyline makes up 45 manga volumes. A common point of confusion for those getting into the series is thinking Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are two separate manga series. In reality, they are two parts of one single, continuous story written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. The “Shippuden” title was created primarily for the anime adaptation to mark the time-skip in the plot. The manga itself is simply titled Naruto from start to finish.
The complete Naruto manga saga spans a total of 72 volumes. The series is officially divided into two distinct parts. Part I covers Naruto Uzumaki’s childhood and early missions as a genin of the Hidden Leaf Village. This first section consists of volumes 1 through 27. Part II, which the anime calls Naruto Shippuden, picks up after a two-and-a-half-year time-skip and covers Naruto’s teenage years, his conflict with the Akatsuki, and the Fourth Great Ninja War. This second part runs from volume 28 all the way to the series finale in volume 72.
Therefore, when you are looking to purchase or read the “Shippuden” part of the manga, you are looking for the 45 books that start with volume 28. This structure is consistent across all official English releases published by VIZ Media, whether you are buying individual books, box sets, or the omnibus editions. Understanding this two-part structure is the key to collecting the series correctly and reading the story in its intended order.
What Is the Difference Between Naruto and Naruto Shippuden Manga?
The main difference is that Naruto (Part I) covers volumes 1-27, focusing on the characters’ pre-teen years and foundational missions. Naruto Shippuden (Part II) picks up after a two-and-a-half-year time-skip, starting at volume 28 and concluding at volume 72, featuring more mature characters and complex global conflicts. Both are part of the same manga series, with the “Shippuden” name being an anime-only distinction to mark the narrative jump.
This division is crucial for understanding the story’s progression. Part I (volumes 1-27) establishes the world, introduces the core members of Team 7 like Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, and centers on foundational arcs like the Chunin Exams. The tone is a mix of action, comedy, and the beginning of the series’ core emotional conflicts.
Part II (volumes 28-72), or the Shippuden era, presents a more serious tone. The characters are older, stronger, and face much higher stakes. This part of the manga is dominated by the hunt for Sasuke, the escalating threat of the Akatsuki organization, and the massive-scale conflict of the Fourth Great Ninja War. While the manga volumes themselves are all titled Naruto, the publisher VIZ Media uses different spine colors on the individual paperbacks (white for Part I, black for Part II) to help collectors visually distinguish between the two halves of the epic.
| Feature | Naruto (Part I) | Naruto Shippuden (Part II) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Title | Naruto | Naruto (The “Shippuden” title is primarily for the anime) |
| Volume Range | 1 – 27 | 28 – 72 |
| Total Volumes | 27 | 45 |
| Chapter Range | Chapters 1 – 238 | Chapters 245 – 700 |
| Narrative Focus | Naruto’s childhood, Team 7 formation, Chunin Exams | Naruto’s teenage years, conflict with Akatsuki, Fourth Great Ninja War |
| Spine Color (VIZ Media) | White | Black |
What Chapter Does Naruto Shippuden Start?
The Naruto Shippuden part of the manga begins at Chapter 245. This is the first chapter of Volume 28. For readers transitioning from Part I, it’s important to know that the main story doesn’t jump directly from the end of Volume 27 to the start of the Shippuden era. There is a brief interlude. Chapters 239-244, which are included at the end of Volume 27, are a “gaiden,” or side story, focusing on Kakashi Hatake’s past. This six-chapter arc, known as the “Kakashi Chronicles,” serves as a perfect bridge between the two parts of the series before the main plot jumps forward in time at Chapter 245.
What Are the Different Formats of the Naruto Manga?
For collectors and new readers, understanding the different available formats is key to making an informed purchasing decision. VIZ Media has released the official English translation of the Naruto manga in three primary physical formats, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one depends on your budget, shelf space, and personal collection goals.
Individual Tankōbon Volumes
These are the standard, single-volume paperbacks and the original way the series was released. There are 72 individual volumes in total.
* Pros: ✅ Features the original cover art for every volume. ✅ Easy to read and handle. ✅ Can be purchased one at a time, spreading out the cost.
* Cons: ❌ The most expensive way to collect the entire series. ❌ Takes up the most shelf space.
3-in-1 Omnibus Editions
These are larger, thicker books that each compile three of the original tankōbon volumes into a single omnibus. The complete series is available in 24 of these 3-in-1 editions.
* Pros: ✅ The most cost-effective and budget-friendly way to own the entire physical series. ✅ Saves a significant amount of shelf space.
* Cons: ❌ Does not include the original cover art for every volume. ❌ Some readers find the paper quality to be thinner than the single volumes.
Manga Box Sets
VIZ Media has released three comprehensive box sets that collect all 72 individual tankōbon volumes. Box Set 1 covers Part I (vols. 1-27), while Box Sets 2 and 3 cover Part II (vols. 28-72).
* Pros: ✅ Often cheaper than buying all 72 volumes individually. ✅ The boxes provide great storage and display value. ✅ Each box set includes exclusive extras, like a special mini-comic and a double-sided poster.
* Cons: ❌ Requires a larger upfront investment compared to buying single volumes. ❌ Can sometimes be out of stock and difficult to find.
What Is a Tankōbon Volume?
A ‘tankōbon’ is the standard Japanese term for a book that is a standalone volume of a single series, typically in a paperback format. In the context of manga, it’s the collected volume that compiles several chapters originally published in a magazine like Weekly Shōnen Jump. For Naruto, each of the 72 individual books is a tankōbon, equivalent to what Western comic readers would call a “trade paperback” or “graphic novel.”
Where Can You Buy the Naruto Manga Series?
Finding the Naruto manga series for purchase is relatively easy, as it’s one of the most popular manga series in the world. You can find the individual volumes, 3-in-1 editions, and the box sets at most major book retailers, both online and in-person. Based on our experience, here are the most reliable places to look:
- Online Marketplaces: Amazon is often the go-to for its competitive pricing and availability, especially for the box sets. You can also check eBay for new or used copies, but be mindful of seller ratings.
- Major Bookstores: Retailers like Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million consistently stock the Naruto manga. Their websites are great for checking local store inventory if you prefer to browse in person.
- Specialty Retailers: The Crunchyroll Store (formerly Right Stuf Anime) is a fantastic source for manga and often runs sales. They are known for excellent packaging to protect books during shipping.
- Digital Platforms: If you prefer reading digitally, the entire series is available for purchase on platforms like the VIZ Media app, Kindle, and Google Play Books.
From a collector’s perspective, purchasing the three official Manga Box Sets is often the most satisfying and cost-effective method for acquiring the entire series of individual volumes. It provides a cohesive and visually appealing way to display your collection while often saving money compared to buying each book one by one.
FAQs About how many naruto shippuden manga books are there
Is the Naruto manga series finished?
Yes, the original Naruto manga series is complete. It was serialized from 1999 to 2014 and concluded with chapter 700, which is collected in volume 72. The story is self-contained, though a sequel series, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, follows the adventures of Naruto’s son.
How many total chapters are in the Naruto manga?
The complete Naruto manga series contains 700 chapters. These chapters are spread across the 72 volumes, with Part I (volumes 1-27) covering the first part of the story and Part II (volumes 28-72) covering the Shippuden era and conclusion.
What comes after the Naruto Shippuden manga?
The official continuation of the story is the manga Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. This sequel series focuses on Naruto’s son, Boruto Uzumaki, and the new generation of ninjas in the Hidden Leaf Village. There are also several light novels and a short spin-off manga called Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring that take place after the main series.
How many Naruto manga box sets are there?
There are three official Naruto manga box sets in English. Box Set 1 covers volumes 1-27 (Part I), Box Set 2 covers volumes 28-48, and Box Set 3 covers volumes 49-72, completing the entire series.
Is it cheaper to buy the Naruto box sets or individual volumes?
It is almost always cheaper to buy the three box sets than to purchase all 72 individual volumes separately. The 3-in-1 omnibus editions are generally the most budget-friendly option overall, but the box sets offer the individual volumes with original cover art and collector’s extras at a bundled price.
Should I read the manga or watch the anime?
Reading the manga is the fastest way to experience the original, canon story without any filler content. The Naruto and Naruto Shippuden anime series contain hundreds of “filler” episodes that were not in Masashi Kishimoto’s original manga. The manga provides the story exactly as the author intended.
Is there a color version of the Naruto manga?
No, there is no official full-color English release of the entire Naruto manga series. The manga was originally published in black and white in Weekly Shōnen Jump, and the VIZ Media tankōbon and 3-in-1 editions retain this black and white format. Some digital versions may have limited color pages, but the primary experience is black and white.
Who is the author of the Naruto manga?
The Naruto manga was written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto. He is the original creator of the story, characters, and world. His work was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan and is published in English by VIZ Media.
How many books are in the Naruto 3-in-1 Edition series?
There are 24 total volumes in the Naruto 3-in-1 Edition series. Each of these omnibus-style books contains three of the original tankōbon volumes, allowing collectors to get the complete 72-volume story in just 24 thicker books.
What is the last volume of Naruto Shippuden?
The final volume of the Naruto manga is Volume 72, titled “Uzumaki Naruto”. This volume contains the conclusion of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the end of the original series’ storyline, wrapping up the Shippuden era.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of the Naruto manga can seem daunting at first, but it’s simple once you understand the core structure. The key is to remember that Naruto Shippuden isn’t a separate manga; it’s simply the second, larger half of a single, unified 72-volume story. With 45 volumes making up this post-time-skip era, it represents the bulk of Naruto’s journey from an outcast teen to a celebrated hero.
Whether you choose to collect the individual volumes for their classic art, the space-saving 3-in-1 editions, or the comprehensive box sets, you are embarking on one of the most iconic journeys in manga history. This guide has provided the factual foundation you need to collect with confidence, ensuring you get the complete, canon story as Masashi Kishimoto intended. Happy reading
Last update on 2026-03-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
